Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have been tracking Nico Schlotterbeck for several months as Arne Slot targets defensive reinforcements, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi landing up at Manchester City. The Reds are understood to have held encouraging discussions with the 26-year-old’s camp, following on from initial contact first reported back in October by DaveOCKOP.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have been working hard to try and keep the defender whose deal expires in 2027. They offered him a new deal toward the end of last year with a significant pay bump, but Schlotterbeck rejected the offer.
The German international is still hesitating over a new deal, despite BVB putting a significantly improved offer on the table worth around €8 million per season until 2030, the Germany international is thought to harbour doubts over the club’s ambitions and their capacity to consistently challenge for top honours.
That reluctance to commit has left Dortmund in a difficult situation: sell the defender in the summer or risk him running down his contract and walking away for free. Consequently, a departure in the next summer transfer window is looking increasingly plausible.
And according to German outlet BILD, it is Real Madrid that is his favoured destination should he depart in the summer, serving as a blow to Liverpool’s chances of landing the 26-year-old.
It is claimed that Los Blancos are even “planning” a potential transfer:
“Real are actually considering a transfer, as the club plans to sign two centre-backs in the summer. One of the two defensive players should be left-footed.”
“German players are highly regarded by Florentino Perez due to their discipline. And even a transfer fee of around €40 to €50 million this summer would not be a problem for Real.”
It is also claimed that Dortmund wants to hear a final decision from Schlotterbeck on his future around the March international break.
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date: 2026-02-11 21:29:00